What to Know About Climate-Controlled Storage
Are you buying or selling a home and have figured out you’ll need a temporary self-storage unit? If you need to store your items, you’ll find companies offering climate-controlled storage units.
These will be more costly than standard units, and you might be more restricted in available sizes.
But do you need to spend the extra money on a climate-controlled storage unit? Lots of people ask themselves what items need controlled climate storage.
Climate control could make a significant difference if you intend to store your possessions longer. Many things can happen while your items are sitting in storage. The storage unit might be secure but environmental conditions can affect the contents of your unit.
Storage without climate control can suffer from moisture build-up, high or low temperatures can also be problematic, and pests could find their way into your unit.
These issues could lead to your items not being in the same condition when you collect them as when you filled the unit.
If your valuable possessions are damaged due to the lack of temperature control, the lower-cost option won’t seem like a great decision.
Let’s look at some of the most vital things to consider when choosing climate-controlled storage and where to find an appropriate unit.
What is Climate-Controlled Storage?
The idea behind climate-controlled units is to maintain a constant average temperature and humidity to better store customers’ items. The temperature will typically be between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to the average temperatures in the home.
Both the temperature and the humidity are vital when it comes to avoiding moisture in a storage unit. Humidity is the presence of water molecules in the air. In higher temperatures, more water can be held in the air.
Higher temperatures can increase humidity, making climate controls particularly useful in warmer parts of the country.
When the temperature and the humidity are kept within a stable range, the chances of moisture forming are significantly reduced.
Climate control is sometimes known as temperature control and is commonly found in indoor storage facilities. If you need drive-up storage, they are less likely to be climate controlled, though the facility might still have options if you need them.
Climate-Controlled Storage Units Near Me
Now that you know what climate-controlled storage units are for, finding one of the best facilities near your location will be vital. So how do you find climate-controlled storage units?
Besides getting recommendations from friends and family for where you can go for climate control storage, a real estate agent may be a helpful resource. After all, a real estate agent is directly involved with the moving process when buying and selling a home. It is not uncommon for them to keep updated on storage options.
When nobody has used storage locally, your next best option is a Google search. It would be best to have more than a few options by searching terms such as climate-controlled storage near me or climate-controlled storage units near me.
Finding climate-controlled storage near you should not be that challenging.
Make sure you do your due diligence with any companies you consider using. Later, I’ll discuss some of the best companies that offer controlled climate storage.
What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
The benefit of climate control will also depend on the items you must put in storage. While all things will improve in climate-controlled conditions, some need to be stored this way to avoid damage.
But what items need climate-controlled storage? Let’s review what should be put in a climate-controlled storage environment.
Furniture
Soft furnishings and leather are susceptible to mold growth if left in damp conditions for too long. Wood will begin to crack or warp and then rot, thanks to moisture.
This isn’t only a problem for furniture; any items containing wood, fabric, or leather can suffer similarly. Once mold forms, eliminating the musty smell accompanying mold will be challenging.
Electronics
The connections in electronic items will begin to rust in humid conditions. This will reduce the conductivity, making the device more likely to malfunction or fail altogether.
Most electronics are expensive, so this is where investing in climate-controlled storage becomes an excellent investment.
Artwork and Antiques
Moisture will damage paintings, and there is a risk of damage from mold. Antiques will also be at risk from humidity, causing warping, cracking, or rust, depending on the materials used.
Again, these are the kind of items that deserve protection from outside forces that can ruin your belongings.
Documents and Photographs
Storing important documents or irreplaceable photographs in non-climate-controlled conditions is asking for trouble. The moisture could lead to paper and backings warping or even disintegrating while stored.
Essential photos and financial records should have controlled climate storage.
Musical Instruments
Since they will frequently contain wood or electronics, storing musical instruments in damp conditions will cause them damage beyond repair.
Wine
Wine will spoil if kept at either too high or too low temperatures. The ideal conditions vary between wines but should generally be stored between 55 and 68 Fahrenheit. Humidity can also be a problem for the long-term storage of wine bottles.
Collectibles
If you have collectibles, like comic books or stamps, that you want to put into storage, they could be damaged. Moisture affects paper and could lead to your comic book collection losing its value. Other collectibles, like coins, could rust if not stored properly.
Clothing
If stored in standard units, fabric or leather could fall victim to mold or mildew. This could lead to you deciding to throw away the clothing when you bring it out of long-term storage. Climate control storage should be used when you have abundant clothing that needs special care.
Household Appliances
Though they should be better protected against water than ordinary electronics, they can still suffer if stored for a long time.
Makeup and Toiletries
Makeup can be damaged by excess heat or damp conditions. Heat can cause oils and water to separate in cosmetics and toiletries, making them unusable.
Other Items That Need a Temperature-Controlled Atmosphere
Any items could be damaged if stored in less-than-ideal conditions for a long time. Metal can rust, items can be discolored, and pests can find their way into your storage unit.
Climate controls reduce the chances of you having problems with your stored possessions. Even the moving boxes you collect can form mildew when exposed to harsh environmental conditions – significantly when they fluctuate.
If you think your items could be susceptible to damage or are valuable to you, consider spending the extra to keep them in good condition. If not, renting a standard storage unit will be fine.
Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage
There are several benefits of storage units in a climate-controlled environment.
Protection From The Weather Outside
Whether it’s extremely cold or hot outside, extreme changes can damage your possessions when stored in a non-regulated unit. With climate-controlled storage, your valuables will have protection from the elements.
Prevents Damages to Valuable Possessions
By having storage in a climatically controlled environment, your most valuable things will not be ruined. For example, items with wood will not warp or crack. Items made of metal will not rust or corrode.
Your clothing will not be yellow or become stained. Electrically devices will not become compromised because of humidity or moisture.
A More Comfortable Environment For You
Not only do you have the peace of mind that your belongings will be in great shape, but visiting the unit won’t be unenjoyable.
You will be in a comfortable environment, whether it is hot or cold outside.
How to Prepare Your Belongings For Storage Units That Are Climate-Controlled
These are the steps you should take when choosing climate-controlled storage units.
Determine What Items Need Storage
The first step is determining what needs to be in your unit. You have the list of items we provided above. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution.
It can be easier if you put your items in groups. For example, your clothes in one area, your electronics in another, and your wine altogether.
Have Your Packing Materials Ready
Ensuring you have everything needed to pack your storage unit ahead of time is essential. Get your packing items such as containers, boxes, blankets, newspapers, and bubble wrap to protect your possessions.
Labeling all of your boxes and organizing them accordingly is an excellent idea.
Neatly Pack Your Unit
The organization is critical in successfully packing a storage unit with climate controls. Pack everything snuggly together so there is as little movement as possible. Shifting of your belongings can cause scratches.
When you are organized, it will be much more straightforward when you are ready to move out of your storage unit.Click To TweetThe Time of Year and How Long You Need Storage Matters
Knowing when your items will remain in a self-storage unit is essential to decide if temperature control is warranted. You’re less likely to need a climate-controlled environment when you store your possessions for a month or two during spring or fall.
On the other hand, it’s wise to rent a climate-controlled storage unit when storing things like photo albums and collectibles for an extended period under more extreme temperatures.
Use your better judgment and find climate-controlled storage around you when warranted.
Types of Climate-Controlled Storage Units
When finding the best climate-controlled storage units around you, it’s essential to understand the options. The most common types of climate-controlled units are the ones we have been reviewing.
There are, however, a few others, including air-cooled storage, heated storage, and humidity-controlled storage.
Heated Storage
In states with low temperatures, heated storage units are a terrific option. These units have a warm environment to protect your items during extreme temperatures.
Air-Cooled Storage
Air-conditioned storage is used in areas where intense heat is typical throughout the year. Air-cooled storage produces cold air via the use of water vapor. Using air-cooled storage is an excellent way of keeping your belongings fresh.
Humidity-Controlled Storage
A humidity-controlled unit will be best when storing delicate belongings that need a specific humidity range.
Video: Do I Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
Look at this excellent video on why you may want to consider a climate-controlled storage option.
Other Considerations When Renting a Storage Unit
There may be other reasons why climate-controlled units are a better bet for you. If you need long-term storage, the conditions in the unit may go through a sweeping temperature change. When this is the case, you should choose a climate-controlled unit.
If the storage facility is in a hot and often humid part of the country, climate control will help eliminate the problems. Temperature controls will reduce the moisture damage that could occur to your items.
On the other hand, when you only need storage for a short period, maybe a month or two, you should be fine without temperature-controlled units. This is particularly true if you don’t have any items to store from the list above.
Understanding how to pick a storage facility will still be a key consideration.
Also, don’t forget to read up on organizing for storage. Climate-controlled storage units should be managed just like traditional units.
What is the Cost of Climate-Controlled Storage Units?
The cost is typically between 25 and 50 percent more than standard storage. There are more costs involved in offering this service, though the location of the storage facility will also significantly affect the cost to the customer.
Expect to pay around $100 to $120 monthly for your climate-controlled unit. The cost will vary depending on the unit’s size and location. If it keeps your valuable possessions in excellent condition, it will be well worth the additional expense.
According to SpareFoot, the average cost to rent a self-storage unit is $88.85. The increase from $100 to $120 is based on the fact it will be climatically controlled. It should be noted that the $88.85 is very approximate, and the cost of a rental can vary tremendously across the country.
A climate-controlled unit costs more money because regulating humidity and temperature requires additional systems to be installed, powered, and maintained.
You can also do a Google search on climate-controlled storage nearby prices.
What Companies Provide Climate Controlled Storage?
You may be wondering which companies have climate-controlled storage available for their clients. Five of the best include the following companies.
When looking, as previously mentioned, you may want to do a Google search for “climate-controlled storage units near me.
U-Haul Climate-Controlled Storage
U-Haul – You may have thought of U-haul as strictly a truck rental company, but that is untrue. They also offer storage options as well.
One of the significant benefits of going with U-Haul is that they also provide 24-hour access. Finding storage units with climate controls near you should not be complicated with a local U-Haul nearby.
Cubesmart Climate-Controlled Storage
Cubesmart – one of the more cost-effective climate options will most likely be Cubesmart. They are well known in the industry for their cost-cutting. You might also get lucky with a free rental truck in select locations.
When you want cheap climate-controlled storage nearby, put them on your list.
Public Storage Offers Climate-Controlled Units
Public Storage – One of the more significant perks of Public Storage is its exceptional security and massive chain of locations. They also offer a considerable selection of storage size options and first-month discounts.
Public Storage provides storage units near you all around the country.
Extra Space Climate-Controlled Storage
Extra Space Storage – Extra Space Storage is a highly rated company. The security of their units is outstanding. They are also well-known for their regular pest control treatments to keep out unwanted visitors.
Life Storage Climate-Controlled Units
Life Storage – One of the most recognizable perks of Life Storage is that they have the widest variety of climate-controlled units. They also have an excellent website and honest pricing transparency as well.
All of these storage companies are highly rated. You probably can’t go wrong with any of these choices, but keep reading on how to pick one that best suits your needs.
You can review some of the best storage facilities in our guide.
How to Pick a Controlled Climate Storage Company
People often focus on the cost when deciding which is the best climate-controlled storage company to choose. That is perfectly fine, but there are other considerations to consider.
Here are factors to consider when picking a storage unit.
Location Of The Climate-Controlled Units
Most people will want to have the convenience of getting access to their possessions as quickly as possible. Long trips between a storage unit and your residence are not that ideal.
Do The Units Have Camera Surveillance?
Knowing who enters your storage unit should be a minimum requirement for any storage facility. If something happens, you’ll have the confidence to know it should be on tape.
Are The Storage Units Individually Alarmed?
If you are storing high-ticket items, this should be a strong consideration. While video surveillance and electric gates are beneficial, an individual alarm goes one step further.
Do The Units Have an Electric Gate With Coded or Keyed Access?
An electric gate with coded or keyed access is beneficial. Having these features is pretty standard for most self-storage companies, so if they don’t have it, you should not settle.
Are There On-site Managers?
Knowing an actual person is present to ensure no issues is another excellent perk for the best storage companies.
Do The Climate-Controlled Units Have Pest Protection?
While protecting your possessions from mold and mildew is critical, so is keeping pests out that can destroy your things.
Final Thoughts on Climate-Controlled Storage
Like anything else, it is essential to do your due diligence when selecting a storage unit. Seek out as much information as you can before making a final decision. Hopefully, you have enjoyed these tips on what you need to know about climate-controlled storage.
You should now be well-armed to pick a storage unit nearby.
Other Valuable Moving Resources
See these previously published moving articles at Maximum Real Estate Exposure for more helpful advice.
- Storage options when moving – review three ways to store your possessions when you have an upcoming move.
- The best moving tips – moving can be stressful and challenging. It is backbreaking work. Use the advice found in the article to make your move go easier.
- Who are the best moving companies – see a comprehensive review of some of the top movers, especially when you are moving a long distance.
- Renting a moving truck – understand all the most vital considerations when doing the move yourself and getting your vehicle.
About the author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided the above Real Estate information on the things that require climate-controlled storage. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for 37+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about Real Estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
